Nanny contracts

You should absolutely have a contract with your nanny that you're planning to hire. It's really important. In fact, I would really encourage you to think about it more as an agreement between two parties. This is an opportunity for you to sit down with your new nanny and talk about what the expectations of the job are and also, you know, what days off are going to be included, what vacations, those kind of details. But also, all of the job duties and expectations on the day to day basis, as well as sort of long-term. I would also include in there an annual review date. It could be uncomfortable for a nanny to say, "Oh, you know, my annual review date is coming up. You know, I've been here about a year..." You know, because they're hoping for a raise. If it's pre-determined a year in advance at the time of hire, it can be more easily sort of brought up between both parties. It's also a time not just for a raise, but a time to sit down and reassess the expectations and the job responsibilities. Your children change. At different ages, they have different needs and therefore, your nanny also, you know, is going to change her responsibilities as it relates to her job.

Lindsay Heller, PsyD

Psychologist, The Nanny Doctor

Lindsay, known as The Nanny Doctor, has been working with families and their nannies for more than a decade. In addition to being a licensed clinical psychologist, Lindsay was a well-respected nanny for over 10 years in both the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Now, through her nanny consulting services, Lindsay works in conjunction with families and their agencies to provide a unique specialized service to help each family in finding the best possible match for their family. She aids, not only in the interview and hiring process, but also with the important transition of introducing a new person into the household. She stands firmly beside each of her clients throughout their journey and custom tailors a plan of action for each individual family. No nanny issue is too big or small! Her team is excited to be working with her and are happy to offer every family they work with a complimentary hour of her services!

You should absolutely have a contract with your nanny that you're planning to hire. It's really important. In fact, I would really encourage you to think about it more as an agreement between two parties. This is an opportunity for you to sit down with your new nanny and talk about what the expectations of the job are and also, you know, what days off are going to be included, what vacations, those kind of details. But also, all of the job duties and expectations on the day to day basis, as well as sort of long-term. I would also include in there an annual review date. It could be uncomfortable for a nanny to say, "Oh, you know, my annual review date is coming up. You know, I've been here about a year..." You know, because they're hoping for a raise. If it's pre-determined a year in advance at the time of hire, it can be more easily sort of brought up between both parties. It's also a time not just for a raise, but a time to sit down and reassess the expectations and the job responsibilities. Your children change. At different ages, they have different needs and therefore, your nanny also, you know, is going to change her responsibilities as it relates to her job.